About Wetlands International & Global Environment Centre

Wetlands International (WI) is a leading global non-profit organisation dedicated solely to the crucial work of wetland conservation and sustainable management. The organisation has well-established networks of experts and close partnerships with key organisations, which are essential for catalysing conservation activities worldwide. WI's mission is to sustain and restore wetlands, their resources and biodiversity for future generations through research, information exchange and conservation activities, worldwide.

The Global Environment Centre (GEC) was established in 1998 to work on environmental issues of global importance.  The Centre is registered and based in Malaysia as a non-profit organisation. GEC's mission is to support the protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources to meet local, regional and global needs.  This is to be achieved through the building of partnerships to address environmental issues of global concern, strengthening of capacity for integrated implementation of environmental conventions, and demonstration of practical solutions to environmental issues at local, regional and global levels. GEC has three main programmes: Forest and Wetlands Conservation, Integrated River Basin Management, and Awareness and Capacity Building.

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Project on Integrated Management of Peatlands for Biodiversity and Climate Change
( Updates and Pogress of Project )

Project Components

Component 1  - Update on the Assessment of Peatland, Biodiversity and Climate Change

The assessment management team had a fruitful coordination meeting in October 2004 in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Among some of the issues sorted out were:

• Key Lead Authors and Coordinating Lead Authors were identified for specific chapters and sections
• Coordinating Lead Authors will communicate with other lead authors and prepare a detailed annotated concept and outline for respective chapters
• The Workplan for the Assessment was revised
• The outline of Assessment was finalised
• It was agreed that more contribution was needed from experts from developing countries in the region of Asia, Africa and Southern America to provide a geographical balance to the report

More than 30 experts have expressed interest to be involved in this assessment. We are still anticipating more to sign up and contribute to this challenging task. Report of the meeting can be downloaded at the www.peat-portal.net . There will be another writers' meeting in the third quarter of 2005 to review the first draft assessment report. Those interested to contribute to the assessment kindly contact David Lee at david@genet.po.my .

Component 2  - Peatlands, biodiversity and climate change: News From Russia

Introduction
Russia is the country with the largest peatland area in the world - spreading more than 1,4 million square km across the continent. Peatlands in Russia cover over 8% of the land area, and together with the paludified lands, they cover more than 20% of country area. Mires and peatlands are found in all natural zones from high Arctic to steppe and highlands, forming a wide range of ecosystem habitats. Anthropogenic use of peatlands and the induced impacts on it vary significantly throughout the country. Most of Russian peatlands are still in their natural state, but in some regions they have changed dramatically. Based on scientifically sound information, integrated peatlands management could be a solution to prevent negative impact of peatlands use in different regions within Russia.

The Russian Component of the project on Integrated Peatlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Change had started in the middle of 2003. It has three main objectives, they are: i) to review existing information on peatlands management in relation to biodiversity and climate change, ii) to assess the impact of management options in pilot regions on peatland's biodiversity and climate mitigation, and iii) to enhance information sharing and awareness raising on peatlands issues. Two regions within the highly paludified boreal zone of Russia were chosen as pilot study sites - Tver in the European portion and Tomsk in the Asian portion of the country, representing different ecological and socio-economic conditions related to peatlands.

The review of information on peatlands
Russia has a long history in peatland studies and related activities. However, basic data on Russian peatlands (area, distribution etc.) is still insufficient. The existing information on peatlands is scattered between agencies and institutions, of which much is still not adequately integrated and analysed. Different branches of economy and science in Russia have different view points on peatlands inventory, studies, values and functions. Standardised information related to peatlands are being stored by different key economic sectors such as geology, agriculture, forestry, land use, water management, etc. (Peatlands of Russia: towards analysis of sectorial information. Moscow: GEOS Publ., 2001, 190 pp.).

The project aim is to focus on the information related to peatlands capacity to maintain biodiversity and carbon balance as well as management impact on those natural peatlands features. The Russian bibliography database on peatlands and biodiversity, and on peatlands and carbon balance (around 1500 and 400 records respectively) was developed and accompanied by the list of information holders, experts, past and on-going peatland related projects.

A strong team of Russian peatland scientists and experts from the institutions of Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and universities prepared a comprehensive review on natural peatland characteristics and their dynamics following human induced impact. The subject includes mire distribution and diversity, carbon storage, primary production, peat accumulation, carbon gas fluxes, biodiversity, and peatlands use. This review is to serve as a background reference paper for decision-makers on the subject of peatlands, their biodiversity, and their impacts on climate change.

The pilot studies in key regions
The studies in pilot regions are aimed to fill the gaps in the available data on peatlands functions as well as to test the approach of the integrated peatlands management. The studies were based on the existing field scientific network available in the key regions. In Tver Region, studies are being carried out at the Zapadnaya Dvina Field Station of Institute of Forest Science RAS and Central Forest Biosphere State Nature Reserve, which have a long tradition of national and international mire research. A wide range of existing scientific data on the ecosystem functions and carbon cycling of pristine and disturbed peatlands were very useful in supporting the project activities. In Tomsk Region, investigations are based on the Field Station of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, the Siberian Branch of the RAS (Novosibirsk) which situated 150 km west from Tomsk in the southern part of the world's largest peatland - the Great Vasyugan Bog. A wide range of carbon related peatland studies were done here by Russian and foreign scientists.

During 2003-2004, different field studies related to carbon flux and biodiversity assessment were done in the key sites in the regions which include human activities change such as forest drainage, agricultural use, peat excavation as well as burnt peatlands as a result of natural phenomena.

The data from project field studies were analyzed in the context of all available information. The data on the peatlands natural functions dynamic under human induced impacts are compared with available information on land use.

The initial project results, format and content of future recommendations for local administrations were discussed during regional workshops held in Tver (Jan & Nov 2004) and in Tomsk (Dec 2003 & May 2004).

Information sharing and awareness
The project provides access to verified and scientifically sound peatlands information to all levels as the background for the integrated peatlands management. The basic principles of peatlands management have been presented to decisionmakers and experts both at Federal and local level. The project team is working with the Russian Parliament (Duma), with Ministry of Nature Resources and with the Regional Administrations. Activities include giving presentations and lectures, participation in the discussions, involvement in legislation and significant decisions drafting.

The project team initiated and contributed to the drafting of the chapters on mires for the New Water Code for the Russian Federation. The chapter devoted to peatlands and mires of the Report on Biodiversity Status of Natural Ecosystems in Russian Federation was prepared by project experts and based on the project informational database (available in printed form and via Internet: http://www.biodat.ru/doc/biodiv/). A review paper based on the project information strengthened the position of Russian Federation regarding peatlands mitigation and adaptation to climate change for UNFCCC COP10 in Buenos Aires in December 2004.

The project team took opportunity of peatlands related national and international meetings and conferences to present the obtained results and discuss the background principles of land use and peatlands management. Among those meetings include the peatland restoration field seminar in Belarus in October 2004, and the regional Wise Use of Peatlands meeting in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region in December 2004. The project team helped organised the special Symposium at the 7th INTECOL Wetland Conference in July 2004 to widely share the results with international scientific community.

Component 4  - BRIEF INTRODUCTION ON THE PROJECT SITES IN CHINA

Ruoergai Plateau Marshes are located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River basin in Sichuan and Gansu, at the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of 3400-3900 meters above sea level. It occupies an area of more than 1 million hectares, ranging from Ruoergai and Hongyuan counties in Sichuan Province, to Luqu and Maqu counties in Gansu Province. The well-preserved Ruoergai Marshes remains the largest peatlands in China, covering an area of 490 thousand ha which represents nearly 15% of total peatlands in the country. Ruoergai marshes support a wide range of globally unique biodiversity. There are many species recorded with 88 species of insects and invertebrates, 15 species of fishes, 3 species of amphibians, 3 species of reptiles, 85 species of birds, 24 species of mammals and 197 plants. It is inhabited by Tibetan minorities with a population of 125 thousand living primarily on animal husbandry. A major challenge to peatlands conservation is due to the rapid growth of population and economic development over the last 10 years. Overgrazing, extraction of peat and unsustainable harvesting on medicinal plants have directly threatened the existence of these peatlands. Wetland values including peatlands can be significant and should be investigated prior to making development decisions. The challenge now is to enhance cooperation among agencies managing the area to better understand as well as promote the socio-economic values of peatlands, and their wise use options for social benefit, in particular the local people.

Ruoergai National Nature Reserve is 166,571 ha in size and contains wetland, lakes, and riverine ecosystems as well as extensive grasslands and mountains. There are many lakes in the Reserve, the biggest ones being Haqiu Lake (606 ha), Cuolajian Lake (260 ha) and Nalongcuo Lake (150 ha). Ruoergai National Nature Reserve is situated exclusively in Ruoergai County, Aba Prefecture, of Sichuan Province. The Ruoergai National Nature Reserve is very accessible by various roads joining the county and township capitals of both northern Sichuan and southern Gansu Provinces. In the 1960s, a national policy was implemented to drain wetlands to increase the areas of land available for grazing and crop production; Ruoergai County was no exception to this practice. A total of 80,000 ha of wetlands were drained in Ruoergai County at that time, by the construction of some 380 km of ditches. Of this total, about 200 km of ditches were dug within the confines of what was to become the National Nature Reserve, affecting about 30,000 ha; most of the remainder were dug in wetlands to the west of the Nature Reserve, between the western boundary of the Nature Reserve and the Huang He (Yellow River). Drainage canals were dug particularly in the area of the northern Core Zone beginning about 1968 and, although they have not been maintained in recent years, some of them are still functioning, taking water away from the wetlands. Water levels in the marshes have fallen considerably under the influence of the drainage, coupled with a series of relatively dry years in the past decade. This has led to a change of plant communities from those typical of wetlands, to others which are found in seasonally wet grasslands, and a degradation of wetland and associated biodiversity resources.

Riganqiao Nature Reserve is located in Hongyuan County of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Nationality Autonomous Region of Sichuan Province. It is 40km from the capital of Hongyuan County, and covers an area of 122,000 ha of peatlands and meadows. It was set up in November 1999 which includes Kuqiaola and Waqie wetlands. Kuqiaolan peatlands is sited in the middle north of the Nature Reserve and it occupies an area of 3000 ha.

Approximately 50 km of drains were constructed in the (historically) 12,000 ha Waqie Wetland in the late 1960s and these drains still convey water away from the wetland to this day (although maintenance on these 85 or so separate drains in the Waqie Wetland terminated in the mid to late 1970s). In 2001, only the deepest channels contained more than about 50 cm of water. Waqie peatlands is particularly important area for the diversity of species in Ruoergai marshes because 14 species of birds and 5 species of mammals found are recorded as globally endangered species. Resources of peat has an average depth of 3 metres, or deepest to 10 metres. In the 60s and 70s, the excavation of canals for grazing had resulted in severe degradation in peatland resources.

The project had made an assessment on the impacts of grazing and water management in these two areas, and made recommendations to the local government on restoration measures. Awareness materials on the distribution of peatlands to the threats of peatlands and importance of peatlands in relation to biodiversity and climate change were developed. In addition, in 2003 the project supported the local government to undertake some pilot projects for blocking of drains to restore water level in peat areas. This in turn stimulated the central government to allocate RMB 800,000 (US$ 100,000) to expand the blockage of drains in Ruoergai County to 50km.

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PROJECT RELATED ACTIVITIES AND UPDATES
UNEP/GEF Peat Project Shared at the Asian Wetlands Symposium 2005

The Asian Wetland Symposium held in February 2005 has provided an opportunity to explore and share the innovative ways and means for the management, conservation and sustainable development of wetlands; the key to improve the productivity and people's livelihoods. This symposium was held from 6th-9th February 2005 at Bhubaneswar. Orrisa, India under supported by international agencies. More than 300 participants from Asian countries representing governments, NGOs, institutes, universities, civil societies and local stakeholders attended the symposium. Two senior staff from Wetlands International-China as well as three from GEC were invited to participate in the symposium. Ms. Zhang Xiaohong from WI-China gave a presentation on the case study of Peatlands Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation in Ruoergai while David Lee made a presentation on Smart Partnership in Peatland Fire Prevention and Control. The project outputs and experiences relating to Peatlands Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change were shared among the participants to the symposium. The presentation had received many interests from countries concerned especially Central Asian and Himalayan countries.

MoU for Peatland Conservation and Wise Use Signed by WI-China and Hongyuan, Ruoergai County

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Ruoergai Peatland Conservation and Wise Use was signed between Mr. Zheng Bailiang, vice-governor of Hongyuan County Government - Sichuan Province, Mr. Zhake, director of Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, and Mr. Chen Kelin, director of Wetlands International - China Office (WI-C). This partnership was initiated by Mr. Chen when he invited Mr. Zheng and Mr. Zhake for a meeting in Beijing to discuss peatlands conservation and wise use on the Ruoergai Plateau on the 5th and 14th Jan 2005 respectively.

Part of the aim of this UNEP-GEF project is to promote peatlands conservation and wise use of biodiversity in China. The project team had chosen the peatlands in Ruoergai Plateau and initiated a smart partnership with the local government and relevant agencies. The three parties had agreed to enhance cooperation in to strengthen the exchange of information on peatland restoration, peatland management, peatland biodiversity and climate change, as well as to consider each party as main partners in future activities related to peatlands conservation. Through its network of international partners, WI-C will seek funds and introduce new development techniques to help Hongyuan County Government and Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve to conduct activities related to peatlands conservation and restoration, dissemination of information and education on importance of peatlands to local communities. With the support from WI-C, Hongyuan County Government and Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve will provide any necessary support and assistance, such as planning of project sites and the implementation and monitoring of project activities.

Hongyuan County Government to Rehabilitate Exploited Peatlands
To further promote peatland conservation and restoration in Ruoergai Plateau, Wetlands International-China, the Global Environmental Centre and Yanqing Wetland Economy Research Institute had allocated funds to Hongyuan County Bureau to support initial work for the rehabilitation of 100 ha of degraded peatland vegetation in the Oumake valley in Hongyuan County, based on the future establishment of a peat museum.

Hongyuan County is located at the southeast edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Baihe River is a sub-branch of the upper reach of the Huanghe (Yellow) River. Certain counties in northwest Sichuan, including Hongyuan and Ruoergai counties, act as important water sources and important areas of wetlands in the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Huanghe Rivers, provide 25% of the total water resource of upper Huanghe River.

There are about 170,000 ha of marshland within the county - about 22% of the available grassland. These peatlands are core areas for wetland conservation in the county. It is estimated that there are at least 1.6 billion m of peat in Hongyuan County. This area has become a natural reservoir for the Huanghe Rivers.

In July 2004 immediately after to the International Workshop on Peatland Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use, Wetlands International-China and Global Environmental Centre jointly organised a technical visit to Ruoergai marshes, for national and international experts, Experts who attended the visit shared their experiences and ideas on the peatlands conservation and restoration of Oumake Valley in the neighborhood of Hongyuan County. Due to several years of resource exploitation (namely peat extraction), the ecological environment of this area has been severely damaged. This would have presented a major fire risk if urgent measures were not taken. It was suggested that this area should be restored. At the same time, scientific research and monitoring should be conducted.

Following the suggestions by various peat experts, Hongyuan County Government had decided to allocate 100 ha of peatland to be rehabilitated and had requested the Hongyuan County Bureau to carry out the activities, including the establishment of a peat museum. Oumake valley was selected because it is near to No.213 National Highway between Longriba and Hongyuan and it is 3.3 km from the east of the valley to Hongyuan City, which is very near to the famous Yueliangwan scenic spot. It is also very close to Hongyuan Spotted Deer Reserve. The project is designed not only as a demonstration for the rehabilitation of degraded peatlands, but also to help people understand the values of peatlands, and as a starting point for launching of eco-tourism in the region.

According to an assessment undertaken, the rehabilitation of the peatland will be completed through an integration of both engineering and ecological measures. It is suggested that a small dam shall be established in order to rehabilitate/restore the integrity of the whole wetland ecosystem. In addition, it is planned to plant 6.7 ha of grass and setting up 16km of peripheral fence. These measures will help to protect natural grassland and the replanted vegetation.

In addition, it has been proposed to maintain a few sections of peat extraction area as it is in order to monitor any changes to the natural environment and to preserve some original areas. The plan is to establish and maintain a seventy metre-long peat section at the original exploited site to show the damage of human activities on peatlands. It will be an exhibit at the museum and a tourist site to promote conservation, dissemination of information, and enhance awareness on the wise use of peatlands.

Component 5  - Regional Component South East Asia

Forest fires in 1997/98 burnt or partially degraded more than 1.45 million ha of peatlands, about 10% of the total peatland areas in Indonesia. In studies undertaken by Asian Development Bank, fires in the area of peat soils were identified as the major contributors (about 60% of particulates) to the smoke and haze which envelops a major part of Southeast Asia. Hence, in the light of the forest fire episodes in Southeast Asia region, urgent actions halt further degradation of peatland in this region are becoming more critical. This component of the UNEP-GEF funded project takes a broader look at reducing peatland fires and associated haze in the region, as well as developing a regional policy framework that would assist member countries in sustainably managing their peatland resources.

The two main objectives of this component are to develop a regional strategy and cooperation mechanisms to promote sustainable peatland management, and to enhance understanding and build capacity on peatland management issues in the region. Among the main activities is the development, promotion and assist the implementation of the ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative (APMI) and the associated ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS), develop and strengthen the information sharing and dissemination network on peatland issues for the region, support capacity building for peatland management through training, workshops and study tours, and develop awareness materials and activities to promote sustainable use of peatlands in the region.

This Component supported the preparation of a draft ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS) to set priorities for work in the period 2005-2020 and facilitated national consultation meetings on the document in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The project was asked to make a high level presentation to environment ministers from 10 ASEAN countries at the ASEAN ministerial meeting on haze in November 2004. As a result the Ministers gave their support for the further development of the APMS and encouraged enhanced involvement of NGOs and local communities in peatland management in the region.

BACKGROUND OF ASEAN PEATLAND MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

Southeast Asia has more than 25 million ha of peatlands, comprising 60% of the global tropical peatland resource. The conservation and management of peatlands in Southeast Asia and elsewhere has reached a critical set of crossroads, particularly for wise use and management for sustainability with regards to biodiversity, environmental management and provision of livelihood options to local communities. Degradation and unsustainable use of peatlands has negatively impacted human health, food production and biodiversity as well as contributed to global climate change. An effective conservation and sustainable use of peatland resources require new approaches and new ways of understanding these resources. Communities, regions and nations are challenged to work much differently to achieve diverse goals based on vary encompassing values attached to livelihoods, biodiversity, habitats and human health.

The ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative (APMI) was first proposed at the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Haze (AMMH) on 11 June 2002 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The APMI was adopted at the 20th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment-Haze Technical Task Force (ASOEN-HTTF) in Manila in February 2003 together with an initial Work Plan for 2003-2005. The APMI was highlighted at the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Haze in Siem Reap, Cambodia in March 2003.

The goal of the APMI is to promote sustainable management of peatlands in the ASEAN region through collective actions and enhanced cooperation to support and sustain local livelihoods, reduce risk of fire and associated regional haze and contribute to global environmental management. The APMI is a long-term initiative that works through the existing ASEAN structure and coordinated by the ASOEN-HTTF and the ASEAN Secretariat. The Global Environment Centre (GEC) provides technical and operational support to the APMI and assists in generating resources to support for activities.

ASEAN PEATLAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (APMS) IN A NUTSHELL
The goal of the APMS is to promote sustainable management of peatlands in the ASEAN region through collective actions and enhanced cooperation to support and sustain local livelihoods, reduce risk of fire and associated haze and contribute to global environmental management. It is in line with the ASEAN Vision 2020 to have "…a clean and green ASEAN with fully established mechanisms for sustainable development to ensure the protection of the region's environment, the sustainability of its natural resources, and the high quality of life of its peoples…".

The regional strategy will provide a common framework for all those with responsibilities for, or commitments to, the sustainable management of peatlands, on its wise use, prevention of fires and rehabilitation. It builds on the principles for regional cooperation embodied in the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (Bali Concord II). It will also contribute to the development of the ASEAN Sociocultural Community (ASCC), which is intended to intensify cooperation in addressing regional problems including those associated with environmental degradation and transboundary pollution. Besides, this strategy will also be a contribution to the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the ASEAN Regional Haze Action Plan.

There are four General Objectives to the proposed APMS.
They are:

1. Enhance Awareness and Capacity on Peatlands
To stimulate awareness and understanding on peatland issues and build capacity on wise use and sustainable management of peatlands in the region.

2. Address Transboundary Haze Pollution and Environmental Degradation
To reduce the incidence of peatland fires and associated haze in the region, and to enhance prevention, control and monitoring through collective efforts among the AMC

3. Promote Sustainable Management of Peatlands
To promote integrated management of peatlands for forestry, water, agriculture, local community livelihood, and rehabilitation of degraded peat swamps forest or peatlands

4. Promote Regional Cooperation
To promote and enhance regional cooperation through information exchange and sharing, research and partnership in implementation of activities as well as in generating resources

The Operational Objectives cover the following areas of activity:
Establishment of best managed peatland demonstration sites
Research
Capacity building and awareness
Information sharing
Policies and legislation
Fire prevention, control and monitoring
Conservation of peatland biodiversity
Integrated management of peatlands
Restoration and rehabilitation
Peatland and climate change
Regional cooperation
Inventory and assessment

HIGHLIGHT:2nd Regional Workshop on APMI 24-26 May 2005, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

The meeting and workshop on the ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative (APMI) turned out to be a success. Approximately 70 people attended the meeting, which included representatives from 9 of the 10 ASEAN member countries, project partners and sponsors, and ASEAN Secretariat. The event began with opening remarks from Dato' Sazmi Miah, Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (MoNRE) Malaysia, followed by updates on the status and management of the member country's respective peatlands. Brief presentations by donors, supporters and partners for sustainable management of peatlands in the ASEAN region were also given. Specific projects and other activities related to fire prevention and sustainable management of peatlands in the region were highlighted, as well as exhibited throughout the meeting.

On the second day, participants were divided into two groups to review the current operational objectives, targets and timeframe of the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS). Another session was held to discuss regional and national implementation mechanisms of the APMS, other issues related to APMI (e.g. exchanges, guidelines, best management practices, and demonstration sites) and identification of activities which may require regional or international financial or technical support. A plenary discussion was scheduled on the final day of the three-day workshop to present and discuss the revised APMS based on the two discussion sessions. Following the plenary, a dialogue was held with the donors, collaborative partners and supporters on 'Options for Partnership and Collaboration for APMS Implementation'.

The workshop had also included an optional field visit to peatland areas in the state of Selangor to illustrate burnt and drained peatlands, and peatlands that have been rehabilitated by canal-blocking. The workshop ended with closing remarks by Ms. Liana Bratasida, Chairperson of ASOEN-HTTF, as well as Dr. Nadzri Yahya from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia on behalf of the host country to the workshop.

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Features

One hectare of tropical peat swamp stores up to 5,000 tonnes of carbon!

There are over 274,000 ha of peat swamp forests found along the coast of western Aceh Province, especially in the coastal plain between 50-500km south of Banda Aceh (see illustration). These peat swamp forests comprise a tropical forest growing on top of a layer of peat or organic soil (formed layers of un-decomposed plant materials between 1-4m thick). Peat Swamp Forests provide many benefits of importance to local communities such as food, fiber, timber resources, and other goods and services.

Coastal peatlands play an important hydrological function as they provide water for consumption, food production, and household use. They also function to ensure that the surface and sub-surface water flow towards the sea and thus act to prevent saline intrusion. However, according to the survey conducted by Wetlands International Indonesia, peatlands in Aceh has been reduced by 20% from 1990 to 2002 and their water storage capacity is thought to have reduced by over 300 million cubic metres due to drainage and degradation of the peatlands.

From the analysis conducted by Global Environment Centre, intact Peat Swamp Forests played an important role as buffer reducing the impact of tsunami (see illustration). The satellite images before and after the tsunami hit Aceh clearly shows that areas with peat swamp forest suffered minimal destruction as compared to other low land vegetation. Besides, peat swamp forest also could offer an important lifeline to tsunami survivors currently suffering from water shortage and water-borne diseases on the west coast of Aceh. The tsunami destroyed current water supply systems and contaminated most of the current water sources including groundwater. Water from peatlands being naturally acidic has antiseptic qualities reducing growth of bacteria could help replace this. Peatlands are natural and very efficient filters and contribute to improvement in water quality and reduction of health risks.

Since the majority of these peatlands in Aceh have not been damaged by the tsunami (due to their location and natural domed shape) they may function as a critical source of fresh water for the immediate needs of the surviving communities. Additionally, the water from peatlands may be an important resource for post-tsunami rehabilitation of surrounding areas. This is provided that they are maintained intact and not cleared, drained or burnt for agricultural or other purposes.

Exchanges between Indonesians and Malaysians on Peat Swamp Forest Management

Study tour & discussion on peat swamp forest management
26th September - 2nd October 2004 In September 2004, a visit by Indonesian delegates to Malaysia took place to expose the participants for a sustainable management practice of peatlands through sharing of information and experiences between the two countries. This study tour was co-organised by Global Environment Centre, Wetlands International-Indonesia Programme, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, along with state Forestry Departments of Pahang and Selangor. Other supporters and participants during this study tour included the Peat Swamp Forest Project UNDP/GEF Funded and the Kuala Selangor District Office. The study tour was one of the activities under the Climate Change, Forests and Peatlands in Indonesia (CCFPI) project, as well as the ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative (APMI).

At present, Malaysia has adopted and implementing zeroburning techniques for oil palm plantation companies for sustainable land use management. This also abides with the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution signed in June 2002 by all ASEAN member countries. Indonesian government officials that took part during the study tour expressed that these techniques could also be adopted in Indonesia to help reduce incidences of peatland fires and associated haze, as well as contribute towards a sustainable management practices on peatlands in Indonesia. As such, this would further reduce associated health problems and environmental damage from the fires and haze. Apart from exchanging information and experiences on implementing zero-burning practices on oil palm plantations, the study tour included exposure to reduced impact logging operations and rehabilitation areas of peatlands.

The study tour helped to strengthen cooperation between local government authorities in Indonesia, Wetlands International and GEC. Following the study tour a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the local government of Kapuas District in Central Kalimantan and Wetlands International/GEC to strengthen activities on peatland management in the district.

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Past & Upcoming events

Major workshops organised or contributed to by the Project

September 15, 2004
National Consultative Meeting on APMI, Jakarta, Indonesia

• ·                        The meeting reviewed the draft ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy as well as the National Wetland Strategy. The meeting supported the further development of the strategy and identified some additional priority areas for inclusion (climate and research). Preliminary discussions were held on follow-up measures. Results of the meeting are available at www.peat-portal.net

September 25- 27, 2004
National Consultative Meeting on APMI, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

• ·                        The workshop examined the institutional aspects of national peatland management and in particular, introduced the ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative and provided national input into the Draft ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy. Moreover, it had brought together 30 participants that are responsible for peatland management from a range of local and national agencies in the effort to promote greater interaction and networking. Through examination of three consultative issues: Strengths and Weaknesses of National Peatland Management; National Peatland Management Actors; and Review of the Draft ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS), participants tackled a broad range of peatland management measures. The review of the draft APMS allowed the participants an opportunity to suggest modifications to the action planning framework of the ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative and to ensure that it would be inclusive of national peatland management needs and issues. Results of the meeting are available at www.peat-portal.net

September 30, 2004
National Consultative Meeting on APMI, Hanoi, Vietnam

• ·                        The meeting was organised by Vietnam Environment Protection Agency (VEPA) and was attended by 16 participants from various agencies. All participants recognised that the APMS is necessary and urgent for ASEAN in general and Vietnam in particular with indication that the timeline and milestone should be further specified and identified. It was mentioned that while addressing peatland conservation and preservation, the protection of natural resources in peatland area should be addressed too. Establishment and development of centers for database management and information processing should be given priority. Results of the meeting are available at www.peat-portal.net

October 27-28, 2004
1st Coordination Meeting on Assessment of Peatlands for Biodiversity and Climate Change, Wageningen, the Netherlands

• ·                        15 peatland experts from Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, UK and Nigeria and Malaysia reviewed and refined the proposed outline of the assessment and the timetable, also decided on the allocation of authorship for the assessment process. See section on 'Project updates and progress reports'.

November 29-30, 2004
Workshop on Sustainable Peatlands Management & Round Table Meeting with Donors, Jakarta, Indonesia.

• ·                        The meeting organised by Ministry of Home Affairs Indonesia was attended by 150 representatives of central and peatland districts government, NGOs, universities, researchers, donors etc. The meeting was aimed to convey the message to all districts government with major peatlands in their area, regarding the distribution of peatlands and its current threats in Sumatra and Kalimantan, and the urgency for budget allocation at district level to overcome peatland threats with proper management. A round table meeting with various donors was held as part of the meeting.

December 7, 2004
Side event on "Peatlands and Adaptation to Climate Change: Flood or Fire?" UNFCCC COP11, Bueno Aires, ARGENTINA

• ·                        The side event was attended by more than 40 international participants. Manuel Guariguata, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), outlined CBD's activities related to climate change, noting opportunities to develop synergies between mitigation and adaptation and conserving biodiversity. Faizal Parish, GEC, explained that peatlands play a key role in the global carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing 30% of terrestrial carbon. The impacts of climate change on peatlands include melting of permafrost peatlands, drying of continental interiors, and increased forest and peatland fires. Presentation were also given on peatlands in Russia and Argentina.

April 18-19, 2005 National Consultative Meeting on APMI, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• ·                        The meeting was attended by more than 40 participants from 27 federal and states agencies, as well as various government institutions. The meeting was organised by the Conservation and Environmental Management Division of the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment. Results of the meeting will be made available at www.peat-portal.net

May 24-26, 2005 2nd Regional Workshop on APMI, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• ·                        The meeting and workshop on the ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative (APMI) turned out to be a success. Approximately 70 people attended the meeting, which included representatives from 9 of the 10 ASEAN member countries, project partners and sponsors, and ASEAN Secretariat. See section on 'Project and progress reports highlights'.

Upcoming Events

September 2005
20 - 25   Workshop on Wise Use of Peatlands in, Tver/Moscow, RUSSIA.
22 - 25   International Symposium and Workshop on "Restoration and Wise Use of Tropical Peatland: Problems of Biodiversity, Fire, Poverty and Water" Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
27 - 29   Parallel session on 'The Role of Tropical Peat Land in Global Change Processes', Open Science Meeting 2005 Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

November 2005
APN project workshop on "Vulnerabilities of the carbonclimate system: Carbon pools in Wetlands/Peatlands as positive feedbacks to global warming", INDONESIA Side Event at Ramsar Convention of Wetlands COP9, 2005 Kampala, Uganda.

December 2005
Peatland and Climate Change Side Event at UNFCCC COP 11, Montreal, Canada

Materials & Publications

• Revised Leaflet on ASEAN Peatland Management Initiative(APMI) (in English & Bahasa Indonesia)
• APMI materials Proceedings of the APMI Regional Workshop Bogor, Indonesia 2003* & Sustainable Management of Peatlands: Wise Use, Prevention of Fires & Rehabilitation of Peatland*
• "Fiery Southeast Asia" Poster
• "What is peatportal" - Peat Portal leaflet
• Manual of Peatland Replanting and Rehabilitation in Thailand*
• Factsheet for Ruoergai Peatland (English and Chinese)

Write to us
PeatMatters welcomes letters and contributions from readers for the next issues. Please send articles, photographs, announcements and comments to David Lee at david@genet.po.my by the 1st week of November 2005.